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“[This is about] fairness, safety, and revenue,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after signing the bill into law.  “Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are two of three Big Ten schools prohibited by law from selling alcohol. Authorizing the legal sale of alcohol at sporting events will bring us on equal footing with other universities, help reduce the likelihood of binge drinking before games, and bring in a heck of a lot more revenue that we can use to improve the student experience.”

Supporters argue that this new law will cut down on binge drinking before the games since fans know alcohol will be available inside the stadium.

“It is a basic issue of equality to patrons,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “Why should VIPs get to enjoy the beverage of their choice and other attendees not?  This levels the playing field and will allow all patrons 21 and over at intercollegiate sporting events the ability to enjoy the event with the beverage of their choice.”

Opponents, like Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), pushed back on why alcohol would need to be sold in stadiums since many drink in excess during tailgating parties in the parking lot prior to the game. When the House voted on the bill last month, Rep. Aiyash said, “I would just implore my colleagues, if you really believe in the Big Ten schools here in Michigan, or all the other ancillary schools in our great state, that you just think twice before you vote today on whether or not we make our fans drunk in the middle of a beautiful sports match that so many of us enjoy here in the great state of Michigan.”

Michigan’s new law allows the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to issue up to five tavern licenses or three Class C liquor licenses to a university to be used for scheduled events at a facility customarily used for intercollegiate athletic events.

According to the House Fiscal Agency, the group “Michigan Alcohol Policy Promoting Health and Safety” opposed the bill.

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